Prof. Kawa Dizaye

Background: Saliva is a complex secretion and plays an essential role in the maintenance of oral health. It’s constituted by water, organic and inorganic components which have biological functions essential for homeostasis of the oral cavity. Saliva also contains a wide variety of unique proteins, such as secretory IgA. Variations in salivary flow can be affected, reversibly or irreversibly, by numerous physiological and pathological factors. Saliva is a promising option for diagnosing certain disorders and monitoring the evolution of certain pathologies or to measure medicines or drugs.
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of atypical antipsychotic drugs (Respridone and Olanzapine) on salivary IgA and electrolytes levels.
Results: The result of the current study showed significant reduction (p<0.05) between salivary levels of immunoglobulin A and electrolytes (Na+, K+, Ca++) in psychiatric patients before and after 2 months of Olanzapine and Respridone therapy. Olanzapine induced a greater percentage of IgA reduction than that of Respridone
Conclusion: Both Respridone and Olanzapine significantly reduced salivary IgA and electrolytes of N+a, K+ and Ca++level, and both drugs caused reduction of saliva secretion.

The aqueous extract of pericarp of fruits of Sapindus trifoliatus (ST) Linn., family Sapindaceae was evaluated for its potential effects on central nervous system in mice. The extract at doses 20 and 100 mg/kg, i.p. significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.001) reduced the spontaneous locomotor activity and at 100 mg/kg, increased the thiopental-induced sleeping time. In rota-rod motor co-ordination test, ST at 100 mg/kg, i.p. significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05-0.01) reduced the endurance time. Further ST exhibited no protection against maximal electroshock (MES)- and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsions in mice. In receptor radioligand binding studies, ST exhibited affinity towards dopaminergic, alpha-adrenergic and muscarnic receptors. The findings suggest that, ST may possess principles with potential neuroleptic properties.

Background and Objective Carum carvi has been used since ancient times especially in the treatment of digestive disorders and as an antiulcerogenic agent. The gastroprotective and renal effects of Carum carvi was evaluated in this study. Materials Methods Thirty five albino mice were used for studding the effects of the plant extract and ranitidine on gastric ulcer induced by 300 mg/kg of Aspirin or by aqueous extracts of Hot pepper (1.8g/kg) . While 18 domestic rabbits were used to study the effect of the plant extract and furosemide on the renal function. Results: Significant and severe gastric ulcers were induced by aspirin or hot pepper. Carum carvi aqueous extract was effective in reducing the number of ulcer area, this result was in parallel with the similar result produced by ranitidine. The Gastroprotective activity of the aqueous extract of Aqueous Extract of Carum carvi was supported by histopathological examination of stomach sections. Carum carvi aqueous extract produced...

This study was conducted to evaluate the potential hepatoprotective role of aqueous extract of Pistacia khinjuk against Acetaminophen and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic damage in albino rats. Treatment of rats with intraperitoneal (ip) Injection of CCl4 (0.1 ml/kg) produced severe liver injury, as demonstrated by dramatic elevation of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine amino-transferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase phosphatase (ALP). An oral dose (P.O) of 250 mg/kg/day of the plant extract for 7 days exhibited a significant (P &lt; 0.05) protective effect by lowering the aforementioned serum liver enzymes. The same dose of plant extract was able to significantly reduce (P &lt; 0.05) Acetaminophen (500 mg/kg P.O) induced liver damage and rise in serum liver enzymes. The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of Pistacia khinjuk was supported by histopathological examination of liver sections. Acetaminophen and carbon tetrachloride treated animal gro...

Background: There is good evidence that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can help to prevent and treat atherosclerosis by preventing the development of plaque and blood clots. Omega-3 can also help prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure, and reduce the level of triglycerides in the blood. The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the effects of different doses of omega-3, gemfibrozil and atorvastatin on lipid profile and haematological parameters in hyperlipidemic rats.
Methods: Forty eight rats were divided into two groups. The first groups included 18 rats’ they were subdivided into three subgroups each of 6 rats. The first subgroup served as a control. The second and third subgroups received omega-3 (15 mg/kg) and (30 mg/kg) orally (PO) daily respectively. The second group included 30 rats and received atherogenic diet throughout the treatment period and served as hyperlipidemic rats. The hyperlipidemic model rats were subdivided into five subgroups of six rats each. The first subgroup served as a positive control. The second and third subgroups received omega-3 (15 mg/kg) and (30 mg/kg) PO daily respectively. The fourth and fifth subgroups received gemfibrozil (3.5 mg/kg) PO daily and atorvastatin (2 mg/kg) PO daily respectively. At the end of treatment period of all these groups, the rats were subjected to various biochemical and hematological tests.
Results: After four weeks of therapy, (30mg/kg) of omega-3 showed a significant reduction in the level of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) in control rats, whereas (15mg/kg) omega-3 could only reduce the level of
TC and LDL-C significantly. Four weeks of daily administration of both doses of omega-3 produced significant reduction in serum (TC, TG and LDL-C) of hyperlipidemic rats. However neither (15mg/kg) of omega-3 nor omega-3 (30mg/kg) could increase the level of high density lipoprotein HDL-C in the treated and non-treated hyperlipidemic rats.
Both doses of omega-3 produced a significant increase in the level of HB, RBC and MCH in normal rats. The same doses of omega-3 showed a significant increase in the levels of hemoglobin (HB), red blood cell (RBC), hematocrit (HTC) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) in hyperlipidemic rats after 4 weeks of therapy.
Following four weeks treatment with both gemfibrozile and atorvastatin there was a significant reduction in serum (TC, TG and LDL-C) and a significant rise in serum HDL-C in hyperlipidemic rats.
Conclusion: Omega-3 was effective in controlling lipid profile especially serum (TC, TG and LDL-C). No significant differences were found between the effects of both doses omega-3 and gemfibrozile or atorvastatin on TC, TG, and LDL-C of hyperlipidemic rats. In contrast to omega-3, gemfibrozile and atorvastatin induced a significant raise in the level of HDL-C. Omega-3 was effective in increasing the levels of HB, RBC, HTC and MCH in hyperlipidemic rats.

Aim of the study: To assess the clinical efficacy of 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate ointment in the management of acute and chronic anal fissures. Patients and Methods: A prospective clinical study conducted on consecutive patients presented to the surgical clinic of Erbil teaching Hospital, Erbil city with acute and chronic anal fissures, from June 2009 till August 2012. These patients were treated with topical 0.2% glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) paste in soft white paraffin three times a day. Patients were examined at regu-lar intervals to evaluate the fissure status, adverse reactions, symptomatic control and recurrence. One hundred and fifty nine patients with acute and chronic anal fissures were evaluated in the study. Fifty one of them were lost to follow-up and 108 were remaining (94.7%) Results: At the end of complete course (6-8 weeks), pain was completely relieved in 80.9 % and partially better in 7.4%, bleeding was absent in 83.7%, anal tone became normal in 80%, and in 80.3 % had h...

The objective of the present study was to compare the effects of tamoxifen and raloxifene in non-neoplastic breast epithelium. A randomized, double-blind study was carried out in 57 ovulatory, premenopausal women of 18-40 years of age, who had been diagnosed with fibroadenoma of the breast. The patients were divided into three groups: Group A: placebo, n=20; Group B: tamoxifen 20 mg/day, n = 21; and Group C: raloxifene 60mg/day, n=16. The study medication was given for 22 days starting on the first day of the menstrual cycle. On the 23rd day, the fibroadenoma was removed and a sample of non-neoplastic breast tissue was collected for immunohistochemical evaluation of estrogen and progesterone receptors. Comparison between the mean percentages of stained nuclei in the three groups was performed by analysis of variance and multiple comparisons, using Tukey&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s method to compare pairwise means, with significance established at P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05. Exposition to tamoxifen or raloxifene resulted in a significant and similar reduction in the mean percentage of stained nuclei for estrogen and progesterone receptors (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.0001). Tamoxifen and raloxifene reduce progesterone and estrogen receptor alpha expression significantly and to a similar extent in the non-neoplastic breast tissue of women of reproductive age.

Introduction and objectives:
Reports indicated that extract of salvia officinalis has antioxidant and
antihistaminic activities and could alleviate nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin. This study was undertaken to investigate the possible cytotoxic and cytogenic effects of aqueous extract of Salvia officinalis on different tumor cell lines.
Methods: The cytotoxicity of Salvia officinalis extracts were evaluated on two tumor cell lines Rabdomyosarcoma (RD) and Murine mammary adenocarcinoma (AMN3), and one normal cell line, Murine fibroblast (L20B). The cytogenetic effects of the plant extract was studied after estimating the Cytotoxicity concentration 50% (CC50) value, on both tumor cell lines and human blood lymphocytes. Whereas 18 albino mice were used to study the in vivo cytogenic effects of Salvia officinalis after
determining its Median Lethal dose (LD50).
Results: The aqueous extract of S. officinalis has dose dependant cytotoxic effects on tumor cell lines. The results revealed that high significant cytotoxic effect was seen in highest concentrations on RD
tumor cell line and AMN3 tumor cell with CC50 5400 μg/ml and 7810 μg/ml respectively. Salvia officinalis extracts induced a significant increase in L20B cell line proliferation. AMN3 tumor cell line was more sensitive to Cisplatin than RD tumor cell line.
The cytogenetic effect of aqueous extracts of S. officinalis showed a significant decrease in mitotic index in all concentrations on both tumor cell lines. The plant extract caused a significant decrease in M.I of human blood lymphocyte at 48 hours. However their cytogenetic effect was less than that of Cyclophosphamide (CP). The LD50 of aqueous extracts of S. officinalis leaves is estimated to be 4361 mg/kg. Cytogenetic studies showed significant decrease in mitotic index in all treated mice.
Conclusion:
1-Aqueous extracts of S. officinalis has antiproliferative effects on both RD and AMN3 cell lines. 2-Their cytotoxic activity was more efficacious than Cisplatin. 3-The cytogenic effects of the plant extract were less  than that of Cyclophosphamide.

Background and Objectives: The association of the atypical antipsychotics with hypergly-cemia, elevated lipids, and weight gain was recognized soon after the introduction of clozapine and has become of increased concern as the use and uses of atypical antipsy-chotics have been expanded. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of diabetes, dyslipidaemia, lipid peroxidation and hyperprolactinemia in Olanzepine treated patients in comparison with patients treated with haloperidol. Methods: Fifty patients were selected randomly from psychiatric inpatient clinic in Erbil city in Iraqi Kurdistan Region between November 2007 and June 2008. All patients were diagnosed as schizophrenia, and none of them were in acute severe state. Thirty Schizophrenic patients received Haloperidol orally as typical antipsychotic and 20 patients received Olanazapine orally as atypical antipsychotic for a minimum of one month. Fasting blood samples for the assessment of serum malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG) and prolactin levels were obtained after one month of the drug prescribing time. From those fifty patients, 16 patients were selected to follow them prospectively over a mean period of time of 112 days for olanzapine and 75 days for haloperidol. The prospective study includes FBG, lipid profile, BMI and serum MDA. Results: The prevalence of hyperprolactinaemia and lipid peroxidation was higher in Haloperidol treated patients. Whereas, the prevalence of diabetes and dyslipidaemia were higher in Olanazapine treated patients, The mean level of BMI of the Olanazapine group was significantly higher than BMI of the Haloperidol group. There was 6.66 % prevalence of DM in Olanazapine treated patients, but there was no prevalence of DM in Haloperidol treated patients. There was no incidence of diabetes mellitus in the prospective study for both Haloperidol and Olanazapine treated patients. Conclusions:No absolute evidence indicates that the atypical antipsychotic Olanazapine is the cause of diabetes, since the glucose levels of all patients were within normal range and there was no incidence of diabetes in the prospective study in spite of their higher weight and body mass index. ABSTRACT

A new method in the management of wrist ganglion (Silk thread passed through the ganglion); in comparison with other traditional methods Abstract Objectives: To compare a new method of ganglion management, efficacy of resolution, frequency of complications and recurrence of managing dorsal wrist ganglions with aspiration followed by intra-cystic injection of Methylprednisolone and surgical excision and our new procedure Silk thread passed through the ganglion. Patients and Methods: A total of 785 patients were included in this study,120 cases were excluded from the study because they were lost to follow-up. All patients were thoroughly examined to exclude the other causes of wrist swelling. The patients were divided into three groups A, B &C according to their choice of treatment. Group A were treated by surgical excision, Group B were treated by aspiration followed by steroid injection and group C by Silk thread passed through the ganglion. Baseline Data were recorded preoperatively and postoperative data were obtained at the intervals of 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. At the end of 6 months the data form was completed and results analyzed. Results: Patient's satisfaction was higher in Group C after Silk thread passed through the ganglion followed by surgical excision even if the ganglions recurred. The recurrence rate was 4 % in Silk thread passed and 24% surgical excision group and 43% in aspiration with steroid injection in group B. Conclusion: In this study Silk thread passed through the ganglion had better results compared to surgical excision and to aspiration and injection of Methylprednisolone.

Background: Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds (TGS) have been historically used for the treatment of various chronic human diseases and studies concerned with application of this plant in diabetes and dyslipidemia support this hypothesis. The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the effect of different doses of TGS powder with Rosuvastatin and Fenofibrate on lipid profile, liver function enzymes, body weight and malondialdehyde (MDA) in hyperlipidemic rats.

Background: This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of different angiotensin inhibitors; direct renin inhibitor (Aliskiren), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (Ramipril) and angiotensin II receptor blocker (Irbesartan) in prevention and treatment of nephropathy in a group of rat diabetic nephropathy in rats.
Methods: Thirty rats were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of 6 rats which were considered as the normal control group. The second group included 24 induced diabetic rats. The diabetic model rats were subdivided into four subgroups of six rats each. The first subgroup served as a positive control. The second, third and fourth subgroup received Ramipril, Irbesartan and Aliskiren respectively.
Results: Diabetic nephropathic rats showed a significant increase in blood glucose level, blood pressure, heart rate, serum urea, serum creatinine, in addition to deteriorating renal functions including (urine flow, glomerular filtration rate, Na+ and K+ excretion rate, albumin and creatinine in the urine). The administration of (Ramipril, Irbesartan, and Aliskiren) caused a significant reduction in blood pressure, blood glucose, serum urea, Na+ and K+ excretion rate, with a significant improvement in urine flow and glomerular filtration rate. All three drugs induced a significant elevation in serum K+ concentration.
Conclusion: Administration of different angiotensin inhibitors (ramipril, irbesartan, & aliskiren) could slow the progression of nephropathy in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Both ramipril and irbesartan have the same renoprotective effects for most parameters.
Key words: Diabetic nephropathy, Aliskiren, Irbesartan, Ramipril

Background and Objective: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, especially in underdeveloped countries. The studies on the microbiology of CSOM have revealed that the most frequently isolated bacteria was Pseudomonas aeruginosa, With the increasing incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and a deficit in the development of new classes of antibiotics to counteract them, there is a need to investigate the use of phage in a range of infections. The studies on Bacteriophage that have been done in Iraq were very limited. This study was taken to isolate bacteriophage specific to the highly resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and to evaluate the efficacy of bacteriophage therapy in experimentally infected ears of Rabbits. Materials Methods: Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from a total of 129 actively infected ears from 104 patients with chronic supurative otitis media CSOM. In this study experimental phage therapy was performed by isolating Bacteriophage from raw sewage water of five different sites, in Erbil City Results: Bacteriophage therapy successfully used in treating and controlling the resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in experimentally infected ears of Rabbits. The infected lesion that treated by bacteriophage requires (4 days) for fully recovering, and it was more rapidly healed in comparison with antibiotic therapy with topical Ciprofloxacin which needs much more time for recovery of the lesion (7days).

Background and objectives: Previous studies and biological mechanisms of carcinogenesis suggest that the steroid receptors content of breast epithelium may be related to breast cancer risk. The objective in this study was to determine the levels of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in neoplastic breast epithelium in breast cancer cases. Methods: Between May 2007 and May 2008 at private lab & hospitals (Zheen Hospital), (40) women and one man who were scheduled for diagnostic excisional biopsies of the breast to allow analysis of routinely resected tissue. Histological slides with neoplastic epithelium were available for the 41 cancer cases and neoplastic epithelium was examined with immunohistochemical assays to determine the status of epithelial cells staining for ER and PR. Results: The ER content of neoplastic tissue was higher in the left breast and within young age group cases. The PR content of neoplastic tissue was far lower in both side breast cancer cases but still left side breast cancer cases showing higher progesterone receptors. The relation between ER and PR contents of neoplastic tissue was observed. Conclusion: The results of this study are consistent with the indication of increased ER levels in neoplastic tissue in left breast cancer cases and progesterone receptor is also higher in left side breast cancers. This study contributes to the understanding of breast cancer by examining both ER and PR in neoplastic tissue.

The use of plants for healing purposes predates human history and forms the origin of much modern medicine. Many conventional drugs originate from plant sources, a century ago, most of the few effective drugs were plant based. Adiantum capillus has long held a place in herbal medicine systems worldwide. It is prepared traditionally as an infusion for the treatment of respiratory and urinary disorders. The pharmacological activities of A. capillus infusion were evaluated in this study. The result obtained on the rabbit jejunum and bronchial smooth muscle indicated that A. capillus extract has attenuated the response to histamine, suggesting antihistaminergic mechanism in the observed effect. The extract showed no significant effect on the contraction of the jejunum and bronchial smooth muscle induced by pilocarpine. Therefore the antihistamine effect of the extract was not associated with antimuscarinic activity. A. capillus has produced a significant increase in the urine flow and urinary Na + and K + excretion rate in rabbits. This effect of A. capillus could be attributed to the inhibition of Na + / Cl-co-transport system in the early portion of the renal distal tubule. The infusion of the plant produced a non significant slight reduction in the blood pressure without affecting the heart rate of the rabbit. The hypoglycemic effect of A. capillus extract was studied in alloxan-diabetic rabbits. The extract induced a significant hypoglycemic effect after oral administration which had similar efficacy to the hypoglycemic effects of metformin. The maximal rate of decline in blood glucose concentrations response was observed on the sixth day of the procedure.

Urtica dioica has a variety of uses in traditional medicine for genitourinary ailments kidney disorders, allergies, diabetes, anemia, gastrointestinal tract ailments, musculoskeletal aches and alopecia. However, only a few of these uses have scientific bases that support their clinical uses. This study was done to evaluate some of the in vivo and in vitro pharmacological actions of this plant. Eighteen local domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were used for in vitro studies (effect of the plant extract on isolated pulmonary arteries and isolated urinary bladder smooth muscle) and in vivo studies (effect of the extract on renal function). Six male albino rats were used for studying the effects of the plant extract on blood pressure and heart rate. Urtica dioica extract produced a significant increase in urine volume and urinary Na + excretion without significant changes in K + excretion rates in experimental rabbits. No changes occurred in Glomerular filtration rate and %Na + reabsorption of filtered load. Neither vasodilatation nor vasoconstriction of isolated pulmonary arteries of the rabbit was seen after applying the aqueous extract of U. dioica. Besides it could not reverse the vasoconstrictor effect of phenylephrine. Urtica dioica has no detectable effects on the isolated bladder; moreover it did not reverse the contraction that was produced by pilocarpine. In experimental rats, the plant extract produced a profound drop in blood pressure associated with decreased heart rate. In conclusion the aqueous extract of U. dioica produced diuretic and natriuretic effects with out significant effect on the K + excretion rate in rabbits. Moreover it produced a profound drop in blood pressure and heart rate.

Back ground and Objectives: Data indicated that procyanidins extracted from grape seeds has uric acid-lowering effects in Mice, however the hypouricaemic effect of procyanidins was a companied with changes in enzymatic activities of xanthine dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase. This study was designed to investigate the effect of procyanidins extracted from Crataegus monogyna on serum uric acid, adenosine deaminase (ADA), 5-nucleotidase, xanthine oxidase, and renal function on normal and potassium oxonate induced hyperuricemic rats. Methods: Thirty female albino rats were divided in three groups. The first group included 18 rats pretreated with the uricase inhibitor potassium oxonate (250 mg/kg, i.p.), served as an animal model for hyperuricemia. The rat models were divided into three subgroups, each subgroup having six rats. The first subgroup served as a normal control. Subgroup 2 received a single daily dose of 100 mg/kg; p.o of procyanidins for 7 days. The third subgroup received daily dose (50 mg/kg p.o) of allopurinol for 7 days as positive control. The second group included six rats received only water as a vehicle. The serum uric acid, xanthine oxidase, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and 5-nucleotidase levels were measured and compared to those in normal untreated control group. The Third group included six normal rats received a single dose of Procyanidins (50 mg/kg body weight; i.v.) to study the renal effects of procyanidins.. Results: A single daily dose (100 mg/kg PO) of procyanidins for 7 days significantly reduced serum levels of uric acid, ADA and 5'-nucleotidase, without detectable effects on the level of xanthine oxidase in hyperuricemic rats. Intravenous infusion of a single dose of procyanidins (50 mg/kg i.v) produced marked increases in urinary Na + excretion (4.8 folds) and urine flow (2.6 folds) accompanied by insignificant change of potassium excretion in the rats. Conclusion: The reduction in serum uric acid most probably is due to inhibiting enzymes, ADA and 5-nucleotidase. The antihyperuricemic and diuretic effects of procyanidins recommended it as a good drug for the treatment of Gout and renal uric acid calculi.

Low-molecular-weight Heparins (LMWHs) are being preferred to unfractionated Heparin (UFH) because of their superior convenience and comparable or slightly better toxicity profile. This study was designed to investigate and compare the effects of LMWH (Bemiparin) and Heparin on hemodynamic parameters, liver and renal function tests and platelet indices of salt-loaded uninephrectomized hypertensive rats. The experimental rats divided into two groups. The first group included 18 hypertensive rats. Hypertension induced by unilateral nephrectomy and high NaCl loading with 4% NaCl in diet for 4 weeks. The rat models were subdivided into three groups, each subgroup consists of six rats. The first subgroup served as a positive control. The second subgroup received a daily intraperitoneal (I.P) injection (250 unit/kg) of Bemiparin for thirty days. The third sub group received daily I.P injection (250 unit/kg) of Heparin for thirty days. The second group included six rats underwent sham operated surgery and served as a control group. Blood pressure was recorded in conscious rats by the tail-cuff plethmography method. At the end of the experiments, blood samples were collected from the rats for determination of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, serum total bilirubin, serum sodium, potassium, calcium, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations and platelet indices. Compared to sham control rats, Systolic blood pressure in uninephrectomized loaded with a high salt was significantly reduced by administration of both Bemiparin and Heparin. Serum K + and Na + levels of hypertensive rats were significantly increased. Bemiparin significantly lowered serum K + and Na + levels of uninephrectomized rats, while Heparin did not change serum K + and Na + levels. The rise in both blood urea and serum creatinine of salt-loaded uninephrectomized hypertensive rats were significantly (P<0.05) reduced by Bemiparin and Heparin administration. There were no significant changes in the liver function tests and platelet indices of all the experimental rats. The results suggest that Bemiparin has more beneficial effects than Heparin in improving blood pressure and renal functions by affecting serum levels of sodium, creatinine and urea. Unlike Heparin, Bemiparin did not lead to hyperkalemia in hypertensive rats.

Urtica dioica has a variety of uses in traditional medicine for genitourinary ailments kidney disorders, allergies, diabetes, anemia, gastrointestinal tract ailments, musculoskeletal aches and alopecia. However, only a few of these uses have scientific bases that support their clinical uses. This study was done to evaluate some of the in vivo and in vitro pharmacological actions of this plant. Eighteen local domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were used for in vitro studies (effect of the plant extract on isolated pulmonary arteries and isolated urinary bladder smooth muscle) and in vivo studies (effect of the extract on renal function). Six male albino rats were used for studying the effects of the plant extract on blood pressure and heart rate. Urtica dioica extract produced a significant increase in urine volume and urinary Na + excretion without significant changes in K + excretion rates in experimental rabbits. No changes occurred in Glomerular filtration rate and %Na + reabsorption of filtered load. Neither vasodilatation nor vasoconstriction of isolated pulmonary arteries of the rabbit was seen after applying the aqueous extract of U. dioica. Besides it could not reverse the vasoconstrictor effect of phenylephrine. Urtica dioica has no detectable effects on the isolated bladder; moreover it did not reverse the contraction that was produced by pilocarpine. In experimental rats, the plant extract produced a profound drop in blood pressure associated with decreased heart rate. In conclusion the aqueous extract of U. dioica produced diuretic and natriuretic effects with out significant effect on the K + excretion rate in rabbits. Moreover it produced a profound drop in blood pressure and heart rate.

This study was conducted to evaluate the potential hepatoprotective role of aqueous extract of Pistacia khinjuk against Acetaminophen and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic damage in albino rats. Treatment of rats with intraperitoneal (ip) Injection of CCl4 (0.1 ml/kg) produced severe liver injury, as demonstrated by dramatic elevation of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine amino-transferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase phosphatase (ALP). An oral dose (P.O) of 250 mg/kg/day of the plant extract for 7 days exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) protective effect by lowering the aforementioned serum liver enzymes. The same dose of plant extract was able to significantly reduce (P < 0.05) Acetaminophen (500 mg/kg P.O) induced liver damage and rise in serum liver enzymes. The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of Pistacia khinjuk was supported by histopathological examination of liver sections. Acetaminophen and carbon tetrachloride treated animal groups' demonstrated a disorganized general architecture, hepatocyte necrosis with mixed inflammatory cell infiltration in addition to severe fatty degeneration. Whereas animals treated with plant extract revealed normal hepatic cords with mild fatty changes without any cellular necrosis. INTRODUCTION Medicinal and poisonous plants have always played an important role in the health among people allover the world. However, it has been estimated that only 6-8 % of the world's flora (approximately 250000 plants) and less than 10% of the organic constituents are known and have been investigated chemically, and 90% remains for discovery and investigations (1). Medicinal plants have various effects on living systems. Some are sedatives, analgesics, antipyretics, antibacterials, antivirals antiprotozoals, cardioprotectives and hepatoprotective agents (2).

Procyanidine was isolated and identified from fruit of Crataegus azarolus (Iraqi endogenous). In vitro and in vivo pharmacological actions of procyanidine were studied. Toxicological and histopathological studies of procyanidne on the mice indicated its safety. The LD 50 of procyanidine estimated to be about 100mg/kg. No antibacterial and antiinflammatory effects were seen with procyanidine. The antagonistic effect of procyanidine on the adenosine receptor was observed on the isolated jejunum of the rabbit. Procyanidine produced quite clear positive inotropic effect on the isolated, stimulated left atrium and papillary muscle of the rabbit, without any significant effects on the heart rate and blood pressure of experimental rats. Also procyanidine produced marked diuretic and natriuretic effects without any significant actions on the potassium excretion in the rat (16mg/kg I:V) and volunteers healthy subjects (50mg orally). The positive inotropic and diuretic actions of procynidine, most probably, are related to its antagonistic effects on the adenosine (Al) receptors. These dual (positive inotropic and diuretic) effects of procyanidine make it a good drug for the treatment of congestive heart failure.

Background and objectives: Calendula officinalis has been used over decades for different therapeutic purposes and it was a target for many pharmacological studies.Traditionally it’s mainly used for facilitating wound healing and skin eczema, and thought to have hepatoprotective , anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic activity. The hydroalcoholic extract of Calendula officinalis were investigated for its ability to attenuate gastric ulcer activity in mice.
Methods: To evaluate the antiulcer effect of Marigold extract, twenty four female albino mice were used. Gastric ulcer induction was achieved by 300 mg/kg of Aspirin orally (PO). The ulcer induced mice were divided into four groups of six mice each. The first group served as a control and second group considered as positive control and received Ranitidine 27mg/kg PO daily for one week. Group three and four were given 50mg/kg and 150mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract of Calendula officinalis PO daily for one week respectively.In order to investigate the effect of the plant extract on gastric acid secretion thirty albino mice were divided into two groups. The first group included six mice received only water as a vehicle. The second group included twenty four aspirin-induced gastric ulcer mice and was divided into four subgroups of six mice each. The first group served as a control, the second, third and fourth groups were treated with ranitidine, 50mg/kg and 150mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extracts of Calendula officinalis respectively. After 24 hours gastric acid secretion of the treated mice were evaluated.
Results and conclusions: Hydroalcoholic extract of Calendula officinalis was effective in reduction of gastric acid secretion and preventing development of gastric ulcer in mice induced by aspirin. Its gastroprotective effect was comparable to that of Ranitidine. Antiulcerogenic activity of the plant extract was supported by histopathological examination of stomach sections.

Extensive exposure to chemical weapons such as mustard gas, nerve gas and cyanide causes high mortality, morbidity, injuries, and chronic side effects in vital organs, especially the respiratory tract. Globally, chemical weapons have been documented as having been used since 429 BC, when they were used by the Spartans in the Peloponnesian War. In the First World War (WW1) the use of chemical agents caused an estimated 1,300,000 casualties, including 90,000 deaths. Chemical weapons were heavily used by Iraq against Iranian soldiers between1984-1986, then, against the Iraqi Kurds in Sheikh Wasan and Balisan valley, during April 1987 and in Halabja on 18th March 1988. Reports suggested that as many as 2.9% of the Kurdish population have been exposed to chemical weapons at some level. This case report describes a Kurdish lady who was exposed to mustard gas during a chemical attack in Sheikh Wasan in Iraq. A forty eight years old woman wearing black clothes presented to our center at 1999 complaining from shortness of breath (SOB). Her condition started 12 years ago when the Iraqi Government attacked her village Sheikh Wasan by Chemical weapons which included Mustard gas and nerve gases such as Sarin, Tabun and VX in April 1987. She described how the gas smelled like rotten apples as it spread over the village. During the attack she suffered from sever SOB, cough, skin burn and eye irritation and lacrimation. After several days of being without medical care, she received some medical attention by local medical staff in the area because the Iraqi authorities at that time refused and prohibited them from management at the major hospitals. When she returned to her home she found that several members of her family had died during the exposure to chemical gases. Among the dead people were her parents, two brothers, husband and son, in addition to other second and third degree relatives. Since that time she has suffered from repeated attacks of cough and SOB and wheezing that were increased by exertion and cold exposure. The attacks were more severe with time and the SOB has interfered with her daily activity and eventually she was suffering from SOB at rest and during sleep that made her unable to sleep lying down. Moreover she was suffering from severe depression since that time for which she consulted several doctors but without improvement. In the end of 2001, she suffered from severe cough and Hemoptysis associated with anorexia and loss of weight. She consulted our center for this purpose and we asked for a medical care for her. Available haematological and radiological investigations were done for her showing a preliminary diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer.. She was sent for further investigations and treatment, but since then she has been disappeared and no more information was recorded about her situation. This is one example of many of those who suffered from the effect of chemical weapons in Kurdistan of Iraq.

Background and Objective The White Squill (Urginea maritima) has been used as a medicinal plant through centuries over the world, believed to have certain traditional actions. The Squill bulb was used by herbalists traditionally for the treatment of cardiac failure, chronic bronchitis, rodenticides and asthma. Novel cardiac glycosides recently have been isolated from squill known as bufodienolides. In this study in vivo and in vitro pharmacological properties of extract of white squill were evaluated. Materials & Methods Eighteen local domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were used for in vitro studies (effect of the plant extract on isolated pulmonary arteries and atrium) and in vivo studies (effect of the extract on renal function). While six male albino rats were used for studying the effects of the plant extract on blood pressure and heart rate. Results White squill extract induced a quite clear positive inotropic effect. The extract also produced significant increases in urine flow, total solute excretion, urinary Na + excretion rate and significant reduction in urinary K + excretion rate in rabbits. White squill extract produced a fall in blood pressure of the rat which was accompanied by a negative chronotropic effect. Conclusions The positive inotropic effect results mostly likely from blocking Na + / K +-ATPase by glycoside constituent of the extract. The diuretic and natriuretic effects of the plant extract look like effects of potassium sparing diuretics. The hypotensive effect could be attributed to its diuretic property. The mechanism of bradycardia might be due to increased vagal tone, a reflex mechanism through baroreceptors

Purpose: To investigate the perceptions, expectations, and experiences of physicians regarding hospital-based pharmacists in some Iraqi government hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at four government hospitals in Baghdad and Erbil, Iraq from March to July 2012. A validated, self-administered questionnaire was hand-delivered to a random sample of 200 physicians. The questionnaire comprised four sections that probed the physicians' demographic characteristics as well as their perceptions of, expectations of, and experiences with hospital pharmacists. Results: Most participants (69.4 %) reported rarely interacting with pharmacists and that enquiring about the availability of medications was the main purpose (74.9 %) of any interactions. Physicians reported being comfortable with pharmacists preventing prescription error, treating minor illness, and suggesting prescription medication to physicians of 74, 75 and 67 %, respectively, but only 47 % were comfortable with pharmacists providing patient education. The perspective of physicians in Erbil differed from that of physicians in Baghdad (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Interactions between Iraqi physicians and pharmacists are still not optimal. Physicians are much more comfortable with traditional pharmacist functions than with the extended, patient-oriented pharmacy services currently being promoted. Great efforts are needed to enhance the Iraqi physician's attitude regarding the clinical services provided by pharmacists which in turn would result in more collaboration among healthcare professionals.

Background and objectives: The long term effects of adjuvant chemotherapy are very important in patients with breast cancer. Cytotoxic chemotherapy may induce changes in menstrual cycle to variable extents and even may induce amenorrhea. This study was designed to find out the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy, Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide, on ovarian function in patients with early stages breast cancer. Methods: Thirty premenopausal women with newly diagnosed early breast cancer enrolled in this study. In addition to a proper menstruation history, the following parameters FSH, LH, Estrogen, Progesterone, were estimated before and after 4 cycles of chemotherapy with another follow up for menstrual history after 6 months, in each patient. Results: After 4 cycles of adjuvant Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide chemotherapy the mean level of FSH and LH was increased and Estrogen level was decreased, significantly. While, Progesterone level was decreased non-significantly. Menstrual changes detected in most patients after receiving chemotherapy but only %47 of them developed amenorrhea which was persistent after 6 months in %33 of the patients. The induced amenorrhea has found to be related positively with the age of the patient but has no any relation with receptor status, estrogen, progesteron and Her2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), of the tumor and neither with the menstrual phase at which chemotherapy has been given nor with the body mass index. Conclusions: Adjuvant chemotherapy changes ovarian hormonal levels significantly and induces transient and permanent amenorrhea in patients with early stages breast cancer.

Cisplatin and its analogues have become widely used in the chemotherapy of a variety of human malignancies and have been found to be especially active in the treatment of conditions, including head, neck, ovarian, testicular and lung cancers. However, the use of these compounds is limited by their side effects, Cisplatin appear to be directly toxic to the renal tubules, usually most severe in the proximal tubules.The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effects of the aqueous extract of Salvia officinalis against nephrotoxicity induced by Cisplatin in rats Albino rats were divided into three groups, each group having six rats. Group I treated with vehicle (distilled water) was kept as normal. Group II injected with a single dose of Cisplatin (12 mg/kg body weight; i.p.). Rats in Groups 3 were received a single daily dose of aqueous extract of S. officinalis 100 mg/kg (P,O), for 7 days. On the seventh day, Cisplatin (12 mg/kg body weight; i.p. was administered half an hour after the last dose of the plant extract Rats in all groups were sacrificed 72 h after treatment. Renal injury was assessed using serum biochemical markers (creatinine and urea). Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were measured as a marker of lipid Peroxidation.The renoprotecive activity of S. officinalis was supported by histo-pathological studies of the kidney. It was observed that the aqueous extract of S officinalis leaves significantly protects rat kidneys from Cisplatin-induced histopathological changes. This extract also normalized the Cisplatin-induced increases in plasma creatinine and blood urea. In vitro studies revealed that the S officinalis leaf extract possesses significant oxidative radical scavenging activities. Both biochemical findings and histopathological evidence showed the renoprotective potential of aqueous extract of S. Officinalis against Cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and renal dysfunction in rats. INTRODUCTION Medicinal and poisonous plants have always played an important role in the health among people allover the world. However, it has been estimated that only 6-8 % of the world's flora (approximately 250000 plants) and less than 10% of the organic constituents are known and have been investigated chemically, and 90% remains for discovery and investigations (1). Medicinal plants have various effects on living systems. Some are sedatives, analgesics, antipyretics, antibacterials, antivirals antiprotozoals, cardioprotectives, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective agents (2).